Spurn

by Jaymin Eve

  A low rumble emanated from his chest. “It’s indelibly imprinted on my mind.”

  I snorted. “Indelibly imprinted ... seriously?”

  He usually had a handle on sounding young, but occasionally his age shone through. He ignored my mocking and raised his eyebrow.

  “What were you doing in my room?” I blurted out.

  He didn’t answer immediately. I could almost feel him weighing and judging what to say. Finally he met my gaze.

  “I don’t know how to answer; I’m not actually sure what happened. I was heading in the opposite direction, to grab some plans from Josian’s study, when I found my legs moving.” He shook his head. “Before I knew it, I was standing in your room.”

  I blushed and chuckled. “I’ll bet you didn’t expect that exact situation.”

  He refrained from laughing, although his eyes sparkled. “Oh, it far outweighed any expectations I could ever have had.” He leaned in very close to me; I could feel the hairs on my entire body prickle as bumps crossed my skin. “Next time I get you naked, though, I won’t leave ... You have no idea how hard it was the first time.”

  “Uh, you had me naked in the bath just the other day.”

  He shook his head. “That doesn’t count, sweetheart. You needed care and love. As your mate, I will always be what you need.”

  “Sometimes it sucks, you know,” I blurted again.

  He stilled, waiting for my next unfiltered gem of wisdom.

  “You want me because of some pre-destined mating bond. It wouldn’t matter what I looked like or if I was shallow and mean. You would still want me.”

  His expression alternated between frustration and resignation.

  “Red, I know you don’t see yourself clearly, and that’s okay. I see more than you could imagine.” His eyes captured me. “We would always have had this attraction and bond. It’s the way mating works; you wouldn’t be my other half unless we had the foundation of a perfection bond.” His eyes darkened. “But let’s get something straight. I would want you no matter what. You are powerful and smart, and unusual enough that you would have always caught my attention. You intrigue me, entice me and, damn it, Abigail – you are hot. I mean so hot that any man would be insane not to want you.”

  His eyes trailed over me, slowly. My knees buckled slightly. But I caught myself.

  I managed to take a shuddering breath, and then decided what the hell; you only live once. With a running jump I again threw myself at Brace, wrapping my legs around him. Lucky he was a big man. He caught me no problem and without pause we were kissing. Long, dragging, soul-burning kisses. If his expression earlier had been devouring, he now kissed me as if he needed to consume every part of my soul. With a gasp of breath I pulled back from his mouth. I closed my eyes as he started to press gentle little butterfly kisses all over my face. I could feel his adoration in every touch, every light caress.

  Through our bond he glowed, our golden auras flickering brightly. Opening my eyes, I reached down to press the clasp on my necklace, needing to see his marks, needing them joined to mine. He pulled back at that point, halting my hand.

  “Not here, sweetheart. We don’t know what will happen, and your father will be in your room killing me quicker than you know.”

  As I dropped my hand his lips found mine again. I opened my mouth, taking his tongue boldly, drinking in everything that was Brace. I threaded my fingers through the silky strands of hair at the back of his head. Never lifting his face from mine he directed us toward my bed. As my legs dropped down, the back of my knees hit the edge. He lowered me, pausing to stare as I lay disheveled on my covers.

  There was this endless depth of emotion in his eyes. I wanted desperately to seek his thoughts, but I refrained. Instead, I scooted along the cool surface until my back hit the headboard, my eyes staying locked on his face. I would never have enough of his soul-stealing beauty; he was pure perfection.

  I almost lost my breath as he pulled his shirt over his head, leaving just his black pants on. I was sensually assaulted by expanses of tanned skin stretched tightly over muscles. He crawled onto the end of the bed like a stalking panther, moving on all fours until he reached me. I shuddered in some air. Just watching him approach was enough to have ripples spreading through my body.

  Lifting one hand, he cupped my face. I lay back and he followed over the top of me. But instead of it making me feel claustrophobic, crowded by his huge body, I felt small and feminine. I reached up to wrap my hands around his muscled arms, pulling him down so I could cushion his weight. I loved the feel of his body pressed against my own, but for some reason I couldn’t keep still. My lower body continued to shift and move over the bed. There were just too many sensations.

  “You are going to kill me,” he said, pulling back slightly.

  Our heavy breathing intermingled.

  “You seem awfully confident in my self-control. Don’t test me too much; we’re still under your father’s roof.”

  “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” I said, running my hands along his strong back. I needed him closer.

  “Red,” he held himself up so he could stare into my face, “no matter what happens over the next few months, finding you has been the best part of my very long life.”

  His melted chocolate eyes were serious. He’d stopped kissing me; he wanted me to focus. I attempted to pry more information from his mind, but he had the bond shut down.

  “You aren’t going anywhere,” I finally said – the only scenario I would allow to cross my mind. “I’ve made the decision to keep you. So you’re just going to have to stick around.”

  “You’ve decided to keep me.” He grinned. “I like that.”

  He pressed his lips to mine again, our kisses more intense than before. I groaned as unfelt sensations shot through me. Why had I wasted so much time not kissing him? I continued to run my hands over his soft skin. I couldn’t stop myself from touching him; it was addictive. I paused briefly as I noticed some slight puckering ridges along his chest; I’d never seen any scars.

  He distracted me by shifting his hand to rest on my stomach. My muscles jumped under the sensation, the rough texture creating the most exquisite feeling. He moved slowly, so slow it was surely registered as a form of torture, running his hand up my back until he gripped the nape of my neck. He then shifted his other hand over my stomach, moving upwards until he rested at the underside of my inbuilt bra. His fingers skimmed along the edges.

  Someone needed to open a window. It was getting hot in here. Brace’s hand froze at the sound of a loud knock. Who the hell was knocking on my door in the middle of the night?

  “Are you going to answer that, Red?” Brace’s voice was strained.

  I shifted against him. His legs were plastered to mine, and I was having trouble concentrating.

  “Um ... if ... I ig ...” I lost concentration for a minute. His hand was doing delicious things under my shirt. “If I ignore it, will they go away?” I ended breathlessly.

  “No, Aribella, you and Brace need to get downstairs now.” Josian’s voice was clear through my door.

  “Nothing wrong with his hearing,” I muttered.

  In that moment I was too hot and bothered to even feel embarrassed at being busted.

  Neither of us moved. Even if I’d wanted to move, my muscles wouldn’t respond.

  “How dangerous is he; you know, if we ignore that request and stay here?” I would have no problem taking on my father to stay in Brace’s arms, close enough to see every facet of brown in his eyes.

  He gave a short laugh. “We need to get downstairs.”

  I sighed as we untangled ourselves. I had a sneaking suspicion that this interrupting was going to be a common occurrence.

  Brace rolled over before groaning.

  “What?” I said, facing him.

  “You really need to discuss our situation with your laluna. I’m starting to feel like the third wheel.” He reached behind his head to pull free my blue stone.
>
  It was quite humorous how many times the laluna appeared in my room, on my pillows generally, no matter where I took it for safe-keeping. Josian seemed to think we were cosmically connected, and that it would always come for me.

  “Leave it alone. It’s my little friend, and I’ve grown fond of its blue beauty.”

  Brace stood, smiling down at me.

  “I can’t blame the laluna ... you are quite lovable, Abigail.”

  Tears flicked at my eyes as his words hit my heart, close to that small place inside that always felt alone and abandoned. I changed the subject before I said something stupid and sentimental.

  “You should go down now. I’ll throw on some appropriate clothes.” I cleared my throat as I attempted to straighten myself.

  He picked up his shirt from the floor, and shrugged it over his head. It was definitely a shame to cover all that. Then with one last look that was hot enough to melt bones, he left the room.

  I stepped into my bathroom to splash some water on my overheated face. Staring into the mirror, I could see I looked a little off. My emerald eyes were wide and shiny, cheeks flushed, red curls tousled around in a wild manner. My full red lips looked even more swollen. Everyone was going to know immediately; I looked like someone who’d just had some good loving.

  I changed into jeans and a plain black shirt.

  “Abigail Swish.” I spun around at Lucy’s incredulous tone.

  She was standing next to my bed, staring down at the sheets.

  “What have you been up to?” Her tone brimmed with unshed laughter.

  She was dressed in jeans as well, except she wore a low-cut red cotton shirt, which definitely made the most of her awesome boobs.

  “Do you have a sex radar or something?” I said, staring around the room.

  There wasn’t anything that should have tipped her off.

  Her blue eyes widened. “Like a sex-dar.” She laughed. “So, are you saying that you and Brace sexed it all up?”

  “You look a little worried – think I beat you to the final gate?” I teased.

  She raised her brows, high enough to almost hit her blond hairline.

  “Don’t leave me hanging; if I have to torture you for the information, I will.” She wasn’t kidding.

  Rolling my eyes, I gestured for her to move through the door first.

  “Nope, Brace and I were interrupted before anything crazy could happen.” My disappointment was apparent in my voice.

  “How far would you have gone?” She sounded genuinely curious as we hurried downstairs.

  I knew Josian wouldn’t wait long. Something serious was up if he had summoned everyone in the middle of the night.

  “I don’t know. I’d like to think I’d wait until we’d spent more time with each other. But our chemistry just knocks all rational thought from my mind.” My cheeks flushed again just thinking about it. “He kisses like he’s trying to consume me, Luce,” I said quietly, and she sighed, a small reflective smile crossing her lips.

  “Don’t you want to be married first?” Her words took me a little by surprise.

  I shook my head. “Nah, you know I don’t believe a piece of paper is a commitment. And what Brace and I have, being melded mates, well, I can’t think of a more definitive promise.”

  “I know what you’re saying is right.” She looked wistful ... or just sad.

  Why did I have a strange feeling that she was hiding something from me?

  “I already feel like I’m losing myself to Sammy. I worry that if we take that last step I won’t even know who I am anymore.”

  “What does Samuel say?”

  She laughed without humor. “He wants to wait for a mating ceremony. On First World, even for those who aren’t ‘true mates’, they still hold this ceremonial ritual. It’s not a contract; it can be dissolved; but Sammy says that rarely happens. Unlike on Earth, they’re all pretty loyal to their families.”

  “I would guess they break this bond in the rare events they find their true mates?”

  She nodded. “Yes, that seems to be one of the only reasons. And it’s understood and socially accepted.”

  I stopped her just before we reached the downstairs room. I leaned in and spoke quietly. “Are you okay, Lucy? Has something happened? Don’t you want to be mated to Samuel?”

  It was clear that she hadn’t expected my question. A few tears sprinkled the blue of her eyes.

  “Abbs, I don’t know what to do. I’m not sure what’s going on with Sammy. Our connection was so immediate and all encompassing that I never questioned him when he said we were destined mates. I figured I wouldn’t know, being from Earth.” She sighed. “But now I’m having some doubts. Things just aren’t adding up.” The last part was said so quietly I almost missed it, even though I was standing right next to her.

  My mouth fell open. I spoke wordlessly, unable to coherently respond.

  “I don’t ... understand.” Yeah, that was kind of what I was thinking.

  They had been inseparable since the moment we’d rescued them from Earth.

  “Never mind, Abbs. I’m probably being silly, and Sammy and I’ve had a few arguments lately, so I’m emotional.”

  I hugged her, hating to hear the desolate nature of her tone.

  “You don’t have to jump in without any thought. We know better than that, Luce. Think about back home; we didn’t trust anyone.”

  She pulled away. “But he’s your brother. We have no reason not to trust him.”

  “Lucy,” I said aghast, “that’s one of the stupidest things you’ve ever said. We don’t know him and he was held captive for a year. He’s damaged; that’s been established.”

  “I know him, though, and he’s a good person. He’s made me happier than I ever thought I would be.”

  I stared at her before shrugging. “Well, just let me know if you need my help. I’m always here.”

  I dropped it because I could see she was done with this discussion that night. But it was going to be revisited later. Something was up, and I was going to figure it out.

  “I’m going to die, Abby.” Her words took me by surprise, and I couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped me.

  “What?” My immediate thoughts were dark.

  Lucy smiled at me. “Calm down. I don’t mean today, but I do have a shelf-life, unlike the rest of you. Sammy said there’s some type of procedure here which can kickstart my cells’ ability to regenerate, thereby halting the aging.”

  Finally we were addressing one of my primary concerns: Lucy’s mortality.

  “But it has risks, Abbs, and sometimes I think I’d prefer a hundred years with everyone, than die during this medical procedure because my body rejects it.”

  “I’ll speak with Dad and Brace; maybe Walkers know of something less risky.”

  Lucy shrugged. “Honestly, Sammy and I have been arguing about it so much, let’s just wait and worry about this once we’ve put those Seventine back in their cage. We may all die anyway, so no need to stress.”

  I shook my head. “Only you would think there was no need to stress about our demise.”

  “The dead don’t worry; that’s reserved for the living,” was her final reply.

  I guess she had a point; there would be plenty of time after all of this saving-the-world to figure it out. If we lived that long, of course.

  Without another word we stepped away from the stairs and crossed the hall into the front room, which should be re-named ‘the meeting room’.

  Josian stood in front of the large windows. It was still very dark outside, but my Walker vision could see out to the crashing waves. Lallielle was curled up in a single-seat chair. Brace, Lucas (who just seemed to appear at important moments), Francesca and Samuel were squished into the long white couch, leaving two other chairs.

  My face broke out in a huge smile when I saw Quarn filling one of them. I ran over to my old guardian. I hadn’t seen him in forever. He’d told us that he was going away to catch up with family and old
acquaintances. I wasn’t sure if that was the entire story.

  “Quarn!” I exclaimed as he stood to hug me. “I’ve missed you.”

  I don’t know at what point our bond had formed so strongly, but he was such a dear person to me.

  “I’ve missed you too, miqueriona.” The rumble of his familiar accent flooded me with joy. I pulled back to look at him properly.

  It amazed me that he was the only person who actively used the old language. No one else spoke like him.

  “Ralph ... you look great.” Lucy came from behind to hug him too.

  “I have missed your unique sense of humor, Lucy Laurel,” Quarn said drily.

  “You do look good. Relaxed. Where have you been? What did you do?” I interrupted, peppering him with questions.

  He just smiled that grin, the one that said he wasn’t going to tell me anything I didn’t need to know.

  “You’re so annoying.” I gave him a gentle shove. “Keep your secrets, old man.”

  I followed Lucy over to the last chair, squishing in next to her. Josian straightened from where he’d been slumped against the sill.

  “I’m sorry to drag you all from sleep.” He hesitated over the last word.

  I couldn’t quite meet his bronze eyes. At least he didn’t sound too angry.

  “But I have received some urgent news. We must act on this immediately.”

  The window behind him opened. Josian spun around, and the rest of us watched dumfounded as a naked Talina stepped inside. Her long emerald hair covered most of her as she dripped water all over the ground.

  “Sorry I’m late. I heard you all and figured something had happened,” she said carelessly.

  “Guess the question of whether they look the same as us under their wraps has just been answered,” Lucy stated in a deadpan voice, breaking the tension.

  Most of those in the room attempted to hide their grins.

  Lallielle jumped up and dashed from the room. She was back in a moment with a white, corded robe, which she draped over Talina’s lithe frame.

  “I don’t want you to catch a chill, sweetie,” she said in a kind tone.

  Talina looked confused as she threaded her arms through the sleeves. “I’m not sure what a chill is, but thank you for the covers.”